PSG’s Unique Advantage Ahead of Round of 16 Clash Against Chelsea

Final Friday, Paris Saint-Germain was drawn in opposition to Chelsea FC within the UEFA Champions League Spherical of 16. Virtually instantly, the reigning champions requested particular therapy that would give them a bonus in opposition to the Premier League aspect.

Initially, PSG was set to face FC Nantes on the weekend of March 13 to fifteen. This may fall between the primary and second legs of the tie in opposition to Chelsea. To keep away from taking part in two matches inside 48 hours, PSG appealed to the Ligue de Soccer Professionnel, and Nantes, and all events agreed to postpone the match till mid-April.

This clearly offers PSG a bonus as a result of it means they’ll have 5 days with no sport after the primary leg on the Parc des Princes. Chelsea, in the meantime, will host Newcastle FC within the Premier League.

This transfer solely intensifies the rivalry between PSG and Chelsea. The 2 sides have battled a number of occasions for the reason that Qatar Sports activities Investments takeover of PSG in 2011. It’s additionally a rematch of final summer time’s FIFA Membership World Cup ultimate wherein Chelsea received 3-0, and ended with a heated trade that included PSG supervisor, Luis Enrique.

PSG hasn’t been capable of attain the extent of play they’d final season, and an enormous a part of that’s fatigue. Having 5 days’ break between the 2 matches might show to be the sting Les Parisiens must advance to the following spherical. It might additionally give gamers like Fabian Ruiz, who has missed vital time on account of a knee damage, the flexibility to return to the squad.

If PSG is ready to use its benefit and advance previous Chelsea, they’ll face the winner of Galatasaray S.Ok. and Liverpool FC within the quarter-final.